🏆 “Winning is everything”. Winning is just a visible part of fencing. There is a fathoms-deep chunk beneath the surface of learning, passion and personal growth.

👀 To look down on other fencers and clubs. Parochial perceptions persist, and a community is more than the club you belong to. We can’t grow as a movement without understanding, connection and cross pollination.

✅ That my way is the only correct way. None of the masters can agree on what is the correct way to learn and practice fencing, far be it from me to make that claim. Find as many teachers as you can, choose wisely.

💪🏼 That you need a grindset. Your phone, your car, your brain and your body will not run on empty. Rest, find other hobbies and communities. HEMA is only one part of your life.

💥 How to generate power. Sharp swords don’t need power, in fact, striking hard is a bad idea and leads to sloppy fencing. You need to bump up your DEX, more than your STR.